Process for the decomposition of fats and oils.



Y B. B. REUTER." PROGESS FOR THE DECOMPOSITI DN OFIATSAND OILS.

APPLICATION runnin '1, 191-1.

.. Ptented July 22, 1913.

qw zw ww entrain sirariss en rance BALTHASAR E. REUTER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

PROCESS FOR THE DECOMPOSITION OF FATS AND OILS.

l .oaaotn.

To all ctr/1.0m I may concern I Be it known that l, BALIHASAR E. Rnifrna. a citizen of the United States. residing'at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and Improved Process for the Decomposition of Fats and ()ils, of which the following is a full. clear, concise. and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to an improved process for the treatment of fats or oils, the oi)- ject being primarily to decompose the fats or oils, to recover glycerin therefrom and to renderthe fatty acids free from discoloration.

t is the object of my invention, furthermore to attain these results efficiently and economically and without destruction or loss either of the fatty acids or of the glycerin.

In some respects my present invention is an improvement upon the Twitchell process described in Patent. No. 601,603, dated March 29, 1898, and, indeed. in carrying; out the process of my invention l lave made use of the 'lwitchell ro-an'ent described a fatty aromatic anlfo-compound in Patent No. 628.503, dated July 11. 1899.

In carrying out the 'lwitchell process re ferred to above the fatty acids are discolored as a result of the decomposition of the-fats and oils, if it attempted to recover the glycerin content to a commercially profitable extent and if. on the other hand. the decomposition is stopped under this process before the fatty acids are discolored, a large part of the glycerin remains with the fats and oils and lost so fa as being separately a ailable is concerned.

Before describing my apparatus and process in detail. it may be well to outline the several steps involved in the decomposition. recovery and bleaching.

The oils or fats are first treated to an acid wash. The clear fats or oils are then conveyed to an air-tight saponification tank. in which they are treated with a reagent such as that described in the 'lwitchell patent above mentioned. and where. during the process of decomposition they are subjected Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed August 7. 1911.

Patented July 22, 18 13.

Serial No. 642,704.

to heat and agitation in a manner presently to be described. Then follows a Settling process in which the contents of the saponification tank are subjected intermittently to heating and agitation. Presently the contents of the tank are allowed to settle, while a steam seal serves to prevent atmospheric air comingin contact with the contents of the tank; The settling having been effected, the solution of glycerin in water (sweet water) is drawn from the bottom of the saponification tank. The fats remaining in the saponificat-ion tank are. for a second and third time subjected to similar treatment to effect the complete decomposition of the fats and the separation of practically the entire glycerin content. Throughout this decomposition. ai: is carefully excluded from contact with the contents of the saponificatio-n tank. The sweet water is drawn from the tank at the end of each treatment. In each instance before attempting to draw the sweet water from the saponification tank, I add a small quantity of Be. sulfuric acid to aid in breaking the emulsion and in causing the w' er to separate from and settle out of the fatty acids. If the fats or oils are of go d color to start with and if the air is carefully excluded from coming in contact with the fats during their t eatment. in the saponification tank, and it but a small quantity of the reagent is used in successive stages. above described. the resultingfatty acids will be of good color. in case it idesired, however to improve the color of. the fatty acids resulting after the decomposition has been effected, l add 'ate' and decrolin, and bring the contents to a boil while agitating the mixture. Presently the contents of the bleaching tank are neutralized, and then after intermittent agitation, are allowed to settle, when the fatty acids of perfect color are ready for use in the manufacture of soap. etc.

In carrying out my process I find it dosirable to treat the fats or oils to be decomposed in successive operations, only a small amount of reagent being used in connection with each treatment. Atthe same time I preferably employ a very small percentage of sulfuric acid just enough to make the mixture slightly acid. During each treat ment the mixture is made, by agitation or boiling, or both, to take .the form of an emulsion, as a result of which the fats or oils are broken up into small particles and the reagent is brought into contact with eachof these small particles, thus producing a thorough decomposition of the fats or OllS.

.Theemulsion is more easily formed when T After the decomposition of the fats or oils sulfuric acid is added to the mixture to has been accomplished in any particular op-' eration to the extent that can be readily secured by the amount of reagent employed break up the emulsion andsettle the glycerin water and reagent from the fatty acids.

The above outline is set forth simply in order to give a comprehensive idea of the process before describing the details which in large measure are responsible for the very successful results attained in the use of my invention.

Coming now to the detailed description, reference may be had to the accompanying drawing, in which,

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation-of the apparatus employed; and Fig. 2 is a detail sketch of a steam heating coil, perhaps not clearly shown in the main figure.

In the drawings, A indicates the acid treating or wash tank, B a tank for the storage of wash water recovered from A.

C represents the saponification tank with its agitator c.

D indicates the sweet storage tank. E represents a tank for storing and bleachingthe fatty acids recovered from the saponification tank 0.

F represents the condensed or distilled water tank.

The other details of the apparatus can be followed in conjunction with the detailed description of the process as carried on in this apparatus;

A charge of melted fats or oils is run through the pipe 10 into the tank A. This tank is open, and preferably lined with lead or other material not subject to the attack of sulfuric acid. The charge is brought to water or glycerin .a boil by means of steam supplied through the-pipe 11 to the jets of the coil 12 in the bottom of the tank. sulfuric acid B.) is added to the charge, and the mixture boiled from one to two hours. This clarifies the fats and oils and gives them a Wash. Thereupon the con- From 1/2% to 2% of.

tents of the tank A are allowed to settle for from one to twelve hours, as may be necessary, one or two hours settling generally being sufiicient. NVhen the settling is complete, I draw off the acid water and settlings through the pipe 13 leading to the acid-water storage tank B, fro-m which any acid glycerin, fats or fatty acids may be recovered, as subsequently explained.

The clear fats or oils left in the wash tank A are then run through the pipe 14 to the saponification tank C. It will be noted that this saponification tank is air tight; A relief and exhaust. pipe 15 leads, however, from the top of this tank, first, through the condensing coil 16 in the bottom of tank E,

and then below the surface of water in the overflow cup 17' located in the upper part of the water tank F. This arrangement permits the escape of steam from the top of the tank G, thereby preventing the pressure from rising in the tank C, and preventing also a rise of temperature above 212 Fahrenheit-r About 40% of condensed or distilled Water is added to the fats or oils run into the saponification tank C and the mixture is brought to a boil by the admission of live steam through the pipe 16. About 1/10% of the Twitchell reagent is added through the funnel 17, whereupon the contents of this tank are kept at a temperature of 212. Fahrenheit, while the agitator 'c' is setin motion to mix thoroughly the contents of the tank. Presently a sample is drawn through one or more ofthe cocks, 18, 19 and 20, and a test made to determine the percentage of sulfuric acidin the water. If necessary, 60 B. sulfuric acid is added until the mixture shows a content of about .05% .(five one-hundredths of one per cent.)

The contents of the saponification tank are then boiled for about one hour, with the agitator constantly in motion, when the supply of steam is reduced to a point where the contents of the tank will be kept at a temperature between 200 and 212 Fahrenheit, the agitator being brought to a stop. The temperature is thus, maintained b tween 200 Fahrenheit and- 212 Fahren eit for from twelve to eighteen hours. At intervals during this period the contents of the saponification tank are brought up, to a temperature of 212 Fahrenheit for H few minutes, at a time, and at intervals, in like manner the agitator is set in motion for from ten minutes to half an hour at a time. The IR;- current raising. of the temperattrre'bf the contents of the saponification tank aids the decomposition as also does the agitation caused by the sprays of steam enter ng the bottom bf the tank through the openingsin steam, This' treatment maintains the contents of the saponification tank in the form ioo - the coiled pipe'16. The use of the mechanical agitator aids in like manner and saves of an emulsion and brings the reagent into I intimate contact with the particles of fat or oil to be decomposed. Since the decomposition is effected at a low tempe 'ature, 1 prerent y'olatilization of fatty acids and which at a higher temperature oy-er by distillation into the water the re, the decomposition is ittent agitation, as above is the case at a higher temsure and temperature t'anlc would tend to the glycerin and s sh is s i2 .1 v 10. acres 1 hits or one, QSPEChLly after t i n w san ie oecom osition its final stages. Such t l entirely prevented by the use of a low ten'iperature and the absence of pressure.

About half an hour before the end of the s hours decomposition, a small mount 80 acid is added to break no the emulsion. The contents of the tank are then heated to about 212 *ahrenheit, an tien w'th the'steam turned ofi the agiin motion for about half an hour, after which the agitator is stopped and the cozrents are allowed to settle for from half an hour to hours. The added sulfuric acid serves to break up the emulsion produced in the saponification tank during the decomposing operation and settles the 3}13'illl'3. carrying clown the glycerin Water 9 a reagent so that t ey may be withdrawn on the saoonificatioi tanl'. leaving the ats and oils not yet dc composed, for further treatment. The glycand water are then drawn from the i s: C, from which they run rage tank D. The

i iined in the fats. in above explanation I have glven figmes closely as possible for average conditions, but these figures may be varied somewhat, vdepemlingg upon the nature of the fats and oils under treatment.

After the first settling of sweet water has been withdrawn from the tank C. I again add water, this time about 301 The contents having been brought to a boil and the agitator set in motion, I again add about sulfuric acid, as before. If during this second treatment the acid content of the water found to be less than .05 /1, i add (30 B6. sulfuric acid until the water contains this percentage of acid. After boiling for an hour under mechanical agiation, the steam l to settle.

is turned down so as to bring the tenuierature to a point somewhere between ion Fahrenheit and 212 l ahrenhcit. At inlcrvale as before, the temperature is raised to the boiling point for from ten to thirty minutes at a time, and the mechanical agi tutor is periodically set in motion for about the same length of time. After lwclvc or eighteen hours, a small quantity of oo I36. sulfuric acid is added lo break the emulsion. The contents of the saponilicalioh tank are then allowed to settle. as before, and the secoud settling of sweet water is allowczl to run into the sweet-water tank I). I now subject the fats and fatty acids remaining in llic saponifi 'ation tank to a third treatment sub stantially like the first and second trcaiinents already described. For this purpose approximately 301 of water is added and the mixture brought to a boil, the reagent is added. the test is made for sulfuric acid and the acid content corrected. if need be. The mixture is intermittently h atcd to lhc boiling point and agitated. both by means of the spray and mechanically, as already described, this third treatment being: continued. as before, for from twelve lo eighteen hours. (lust prior to the conclusion of this treatment a small quantity of sulfuric acid is added to break up the emulsi n, thereby causing the more ctfccl'ivc separation of the glycerin water. Then for half an hour to six hours the mixture is allowed The third washing of glycerin water is drawn from the bottom of the saponification tank at the conclusion of this third treatn'ient.

In stating the above figures as lo quantity, duration, etc... I have assumed average conditions and the treatment of fats or oils of the kind most commonly handled in the manufacture of soap and candles. The cou ditions of a special -ase may require some variation from these figures in order to give the hes: possible result.

The sweet waier recovcrcd from the saponilication tank is evaporated to form the crude glycerin of conuucrcc. which, of course, may be rclincd in accordance with tbc methods now in common practice.

In crnncclicn with the lrcatmcnt of certain fats and oils'it is dcsil'ahlc lo bleach the resulting fatty acids and this l preferably accomplish by means of tbc blcachinu' process shown and described in my copcnd ing appliation, Serial No. 73),314, filcd November Slb. i912.

A number of recoveries may be made. Sulfuric acid may be rccovcrcd from tho tank ll, or the mixture in this tank may be used in a soap factory for nculralizingfltbo waste lycs from the soap kettles. any glycerin and falt acid coulaincd in this wash water bcing recovered in that process of neutralization.

ill!

fatty acids resulting from the decomposition which is going on in this saponification tank.

lVhile the drawingrepresents the apparatus in diagrammatic shape, itwill, I think, serve the purpose of the manufacturer desiringoto construct a plant to carry on the process of my invention. I have not attempted to mention all of the valves in detail, nor to explain their use, as these things will be apparent-at. once from an inspection of the d 'awings. It may be well to state, however, that the tank G contains the supply of sulfuric acid, this tank being placed upon the scales 25 to facilitate weighing the quantities of acid which are added from time to time to the contents of the several tanks heretofore described.

The apparatus required for carrying on my invention is comparatively simple, there are no delicate chemical manipulations which cannot be carried'on successfully by the average workman, and yet the results in the way of eflicicncy in decomposition and economy in recoveries have been extremely gratifying. For example, I have handled, in a single plant some 90,000 pounds of fats and oils of very average grade per week. They have been completely decomposed, and I have been able to recover more than 99% of the total glycerin content as against a total recovery. of from to which is the best that has been accomplished commercially in the use of the.1nethods of the prior art. Furthermore, the color of the fatty acids recovered has been extremely good .even without bleaching, and when bleached the color has been as nearly per feet as could be asked. The far higher value of the superior fatty acids as obtained in the use of my process and the largely increased recovery of glycerin would in themselves make the process a very valuable one, but in addition to the increased value of the prodnets of decomposition, my invention'enables the recovery to be made at less cost than in the use of other processes of the priorart.

The various chemicals required in cai'rV- -ing out my process are used in but small quantities andthe system of tanks and piping is arranged to effect the utmost economy in the use of steam.

Having described in more or less detail theapparatus and the process which constitute my invention, I wish it to be understood that my claims are to be taken as the measure of my invention, rather than the detailed description of the various steps and apparatus.

\Vhat I claim as my invention is 1. The process of decomposing glycerids into glycerin and acids, which consists in successively heating emulsions of the charge with d'iflerent restricted portions of sulfofatty-acid, at temperatures insuiiicient to substantially volatilize the decompositionproducts. v

2. The process of decomposing glycerids into glycerin and acids, which consists in successively heating emulsions of the charge with different restricted portions of sulfofatty-acid, at temperatures not substantially above 212 F., at substantially atmospheric pressure. I

3. The process of decomposing glycerids into glycerin and acids, which consists in successively heating emulsions of the charge with different restricted portions of a sulfofatty-acid, at temperatures not substantially above 212 F., at substantially atmospheric pressure, and removing the aqueous solution of glycerin and spent reagent after each treatment.

4. The process of decomposing glycerids into glycerin and acids, which consistsin successively heating unsaponified emulsions of the entire body to be decomposed with diiicrent portions of a sulfo fatty-acid catalyzer, each portion being insufficient to effect complete decomposition, with substantial exclusion of air, and removing the aqueous solution of glycerin and spent reagent after each treatment.

5. The process of decomposing glycerids into glycerin and acids, which consists in successively heating, unsaponified emulsions of the entire body to be decomposed with differentportions of a sulfo-fattyracid catalyzer. each portion being insuflicient to effect complete decomposition, with substantial exclusion of air, at temperatures insullicicnt to substantially volatilize the decol11positiolrproducts, and removing the aqueous solution of glycerin and spent reagent after each -treatment.

(3. The process of decomposing glycerids into glycerin and acids, which consists in successively heating unsaponified emulsions of the entire body to be decomposed with different portions of a sulfo-fatty-aci'd catalyzer, each portion being insufficient to cflect complete decomposition, with substantial exclusion of air, at temperatures not substantially above 212 F., at substantially atmospheric pressure, and removing the aqueous solution of glycerin and spent reagent after each treatment.

7. The process of decomposing glycerids into glycerin and acids, which consists in successively heating unsaponified emulsions of the entire body to he decomposed, containine' a small amount of sulfuric "acid, with dili'eient portions of a sulfo-tatty-acid atalvxer. *ach portion hein; insutlicient to etlect complete decomposition, with suhstantial exclusion ol air. it. temperatures not; suhstantiall ahove 212 ii. at substantially atmospheri pressure. and removing the aqueous mfillllltil'i ct lrccrin and spent relfl'clit alter each treatment.

H. The process of decomposing glycerids into glycerin and acids, wlich consists in successively heating unsaponitied emulsions of the entire hotly to lie-decomposed, containing a lli2lll amount 01" sulfuric acid, with dillerenl' portions ot a sidto-tatty-acid catalyzer. each portion heing iusutlicient to efiect complete demmposition, with substantial exclusion of air. at temperatures not suhstantialtv above 212 l*., at. substantially atmospheric pressure. and adding siitlicieiit sulfuric acid to hreal; the emulsion and came precipitation of the solution of gl. \fc erin a id spent reagent. and settling and rc moving said precipitated solution, utter each treatment.

9. The process of deconuaosinc glvcerids into glycerin and acids. which consists in succeqirelr mm-hanicallv agitating unsaponilicd emulsions ot' the entire hotly to he decomposed with ditl'erent portions of a sultot'att \'-aeid catalvzer, each portion heing insulticient to effect complete dec mposition. ressively heating said emulsions. with suhstantial exclusion of air, at temperatures not suhstantially above 212 1 at suhstantiallr atmospheric pressure. and removing the aqueous solution of glycerin and spent reagent atter each treatment.

10. The process of decomposing g'l erids into gly erin and acids, which consists in. successively agitating, by mechanical stirring" and steanrjets, unsaponilied emulsions or the entire hody to he decomposed with dilierent portions of a sult'o-tatty-acid catalyzer. each portion being" insufficient to etl'ect complete decomposition, successively heating said emulsions. with substantial ex clusio-n of air, at tenmcraturcs not; substantially above 212 F. at suhstantially atmospheric pressure, and removing the aqueous solution of glycei" i and spentreagenl after each treatment.

ll. The process of decomposing e'lyccrids into el 'cerin and acids, which consists in sue-cw i..-i heating emulsions ot the chargiwith ditl erent restricted portions of a sull'o- 'l atty-zu-itl, and ren'ioving the aqueous solution oi glycerin and spent. reagent allcr each treatment.

12. The proc s of treating fats or oils which consists heating the tats or oils,

in adding sulfuric acid and water thereto, hailing and agitator; the mixture. separating the water from the mixture, mixing with the tats or oils in a closed tank about. forty per cent. of water. adding to the mixture from one-tenth to tour-tenths per cent. of the 'lwitchell reagent. adding. sulfuric acid to the mixture to make the acid content from three-lnmdredths per cent. to one-tenth per cent. boiling" the mixture out of contact with the air and without the application of pressure thereto. agitating the mixture during the hoiliug operation, adding sulfuric acid to hreal; the emulsion, allowing the nixture to separate into its constituent parts by settling, drawing off the sweetwater from the bottom of the tank, and subjecting the remaining tats or oils to a repetition of the treatn'ient recited.

l3. 'll e process of treating fats or oils which ccnsists in mixing with the fats 0r oils to he treated about forty per cent. of water in a closed tanlt, adding from oneienth per cent. to tour-tenths per cent. of the l\\itchell reagent. adding sulfuric acid to the mixture to make the acid content from tln'eedmndredths per cent. to one-tenth per cent.. hoiling the mixture out of contact with the air and without the application of pressure thereto. agitating the mixture during the lroiling operation. adding sult uric acid to hreal; the emulsion. allowing the mixture to separate into its constituent parts h v sch tlingg'. drawing oil the sweet water from the hcttoni ct the tault. and snlriectine' the reuiaiui ru lai or oils to a repetition of the treatment recited.

l-l-. 'llc 1)l't;(t ol treating; tats or oils which m1i.",. in heating the l'ats or oils, adding ul 'uric acid and water thereto, hoil in and 'aling' the mixture. separating the water from the mixture. mixing with the fate or oils in il'tl hl l tault ahout 'l'orly per cent. ol' water. adding to the mixture l'roin one-tenth to tour-tenths per cent. of the 'lwitchcll reagent. adding sulturic acid to the mixture to nu he the acid content lrom thrce-huinlredths per cent. to one-lenth per cent. hoiliir; the mixture out ol contact with the air and without the application ol' pressure thereto. agitating: the mixture lntl'llilllh (rally and repeatedly for short intervals during the hoiling operation, adding sulfuric acid to hr ak the emulsion. allowing' the mixture .to separate into 'ils constituent parts or settling, drawing oil the sweet wa ter from} the hottom ot the, lanln and SI jttftillji the remaining tats or oils to a renr thion ot' the treatment renited.

15. The process of treating l'ats or oils which consists in mixing with the tats or oils to he treated about forty per cent. ol water in a closed tanli, adding from one tenth per cent. to tour-tenths per cent. of the 'lwitchell reagent, adding sulfuric acid to the mixture to milliQ the acid conten tram thrce-hundredths per cent. to one-tenth per cent, boiling the mixture out of contact with I the air and Without the application of presthe remaining fats or oils to a repetition of sure thereto, agitating the mixture mechanithe treatment recited. 10 cally and repeatedly for short intervals dur-' In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe ing the boiling operation, adding sulfuric my name this 4th day of August A. D. 1911. 5 acid to break the emulsion, allowing the BALTHASAR E. REUTER. mixture to separate into its constituent parts Witnesses: by settling, drawing off the sweet Water HARVEY L. HANSON,

from the bottom of the tank, and subjecting A. G. MCCALEB. 

